Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronald E. Georges said the outbreak was due to the Delta variant and that 218 of the positive cases are on Tortola.

‘Intentionally take necessary precautions’- Dr Georges

“As previously mentioned all samples previously sent to CARPHA for typing were positive for the Delta variant and samples continue to be sent for typing on a regular basis,” Dr Georges said in a statement today, December 28, 2021.

The Acting CMO said, in the Virgin Islands, clusters of cases have been identified among businesses, related to social gatherings, events, nightspots and other areas where persons congregate.

“In this holiday season and during this period of increased transmission, as we prepare to engage in the many family and social gatherings and enjoy the holiday season with our friends and families, let us remember that COVID-19 is still present amongst us, and we are to intentionally take the necessary precautions for our health and safety.”

The Virgin Islands last experienced a major spike in COVID-19 cases in July 2021, when more than 1600 positive cases were detected and over 30 COVID-19 related deaths were recorded.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronald E. Georges said the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Virgin Islands is due to the Delta variant and that 218 of the 256 positive cases are on Tortola.

PCR testing

Meanwhile, persons can access PCR testing at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital Tent by registering at https://althea.bvi.care and by calling the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Alternatively, private medical establishments also provide PCR testing, and rapid antigen type tests, and many persons have access to home self-test kits.

The public has also been reminded that PCR test remains the Gold Standard for diagnosis.